Introducing Lil Trapanese: the Raw & Candid Music Photographer you Wish you Knew

We’ve seen a lot of music photographers in our day, but the images of Inju Kim, who also runs under the moniker Lil Trapanese, holds a unique sensibility of candidness we don’t often see. It’s as if she’s tight homies with practically all of our favorite rappers and then some. Originally hailing from South Korea who now spends her time in-between Los Angeles and Chicago, the tatted up talent who’s well versed in both film and digital, has documented everything from Chief Keef, Rae Sremmurd, Playboi Carti, Vic Mensa and Lil Yachty, to Pouya, Fat Nick, Lil Peep, Ghostmane, and many many more.

Kim currently works as a freelance photographer, having already racked up a good 7-plus years of experience to her name through gigs with publications, media outlets and production companies, as well as touring with the artists themselves. But from personally knowing how musicians can be, it’s amazing to see just how candid and open Kim is able to showcase these artists as in her work–a testament to her holistic ability and skill as a photographer. While her portfolio includes a range of shot styles, from the more everyday lifestyle shots to live recaps, we’ve decided to focus on her portraiture work to start with. Have a look at our selection throughout, then head over to her website for more.